Pet Parasite Intolerances & Sensitivities (Upgrade)

Your pet’s response is measured against 165 parasites across categories including arthropods, cestodes, flyborne parasites, microsporidia, nematodes, protozoa, and trematodes. Understanding these sensitivities helps you reduce exposure and support your pet’s immune system.

No new hair sample is needed if your hair sample was received by our lab within the past 60 days. Simply purchase the test, and the results will be uploaded to your 5Strands account within 3 days.

Your pet’s results are divided into 4 levels so you can see how their body is responding to foods and environmental factors. This structure helps you know which items to completely avoid, which to limit, and which are generally safe in moderation or without concern as you work toward better balance.

Step-by-Step Elimination Plan:

Step 1: Red (High Response)
Intolerances: Completely avoid exposure for 6–8 weeks to give the body time to reset.
Sensitivities: Eliminate exposures where possible, which may include reducing contact with certain products, substances, or materials flagged in the results.

Step 2: Yellow (Moderate Response)
Intolerances: Avoid these exposures whenever possible. If reintroduced, do so only after symptoms improve and monitor closely.
Sensitivities: Reduce exposure as much as possible. If full avoidance isn’t realistic, limit contact and monitor for stress signs such as itching, digestive upset, low energy, or changes in behavior.

Step 3: Green (Mild Response)
Intolerances: Feed sparingly. These may be tolerated in small amounts but repeated exposure could still stress the gut.
Sensitivities: Allow limited contact, but avoid repeated or long-term exposure. Watch for patterns in energy, skin, or digestion that may indicate stress.

Step 4: Grey (No Significant Response)
Intolerances: These ingredients are safe to continue feeding. Keep meals varied to prevent new intolerances from developing.
Sensitivities: These items are considered safe for your pet. Normal exposure or use can continue without concern.

Step 5: Monitor & Retest
Intolerances: After the elimination period, reintroduce foods one at a time, leaving 3–5 days between each and watching for symptoms.
Sensitivities: Gradually reintroduce exposures in a controlled way. Retest every 4 months to track changes, as your pet's body may shift with seasons, stress, medications, and other lifestyle changes.